Jim Sayers of the Association of Grace Baptist Churches (SE) writes: How has your church handled disagreements over politics, especially since the pandemic?
This is a huge issue for American Christians, but it can also affect churches here in Britain. Jonathan Leeman, Editorial Director at 9Marks and one of the pastors of Cheverly Baptist Church near Washington DC, tackled this hot potato in the first session at the Association Day Conference run by AGBC(SE) on 7 October. He challenged us to lower our expectations of others, recognise what a church is and what unites it, and what belongs to Christian freedom in terms of Romans 14, while resting in Christ’s certain victory in the New Creation.
In another session he explored meaningful church membership, describing each local church as an embassy of heaven, where we hear the accent of heaven in loving one another, the passports are issued in baptism, and the Lord’s Supper shares the cuisine of heaven.
Mike Judge, pastor of Chorlton Evangelical Church, led a helpful session on churches and the media. The pandemic has made churches explore digital media, which brings both opportunities and threats. He gave great advice on handling ‘keyboard warriors’, the ‘debanking’ scandal, and the dangers of grandstanding to seek attention.
Four new churches were welcomed into the Association, three of them church plants. Several students at London Seminary have joined an Association training scheme that bases them in a local church to gain pastoral experience. Fifteen men enjoyed an intensive course with Jonathan Leeman in Highbury on the previous two days. The Grace Baptist Churches of central London are smaller and more rooted in their local communities. However, several reported real encouragements over the last couple of years. Hope Church West End in Soho/Covent Garden needs a pastor to be called to the heart of London.
The day ended with ministry from Luke Jenner from Halifax on Isaiah 11. It is God who gathers the church, from many nations, and where He gathers them, Christ dwells (Matt.18:20). ‘The gathered local church is proof that Christ is real.’ It was a tremendously encouraging day.
